Steering mechanism for automobiles.



N0. 692,879'. Palnted Feb. Il, I902.

H, LEMP. STEERING MECHANISVM FUR AUTOMOBILES.

(Application led June 28, 1901.)

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Patented Feb. Il, |962. H. LEMP.

STEERING MEGHANISM FUR AUTOMOBILES.

Application led June 28, 1901.)

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Patented-Feb. Il, l902.

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H. LEMP.

(Application filed .Tune 28, 1901.)

STEEBNG MECHANISM FOR AUTOMOBILES.

I (No Model.)

y UNITED STATES `PATENT OFFICE.

HERMANN LEMP, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGN OR TO ELIHU THOMSON, `0F SWAMPSCOTT, MASSACHUSETTS.

STEERING IVIECHANISM FORl AUTOMOBILES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 692,879, dated February 1 1 1902.

Application ilcd `Tune 28, 1901.

T0 a/ZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known thatl, HERMANN LEMP, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Lynn, county of Essex, State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improve ments in Steering Mechanism for Automobiles, (Oase No. 1,964,) of'which the following is a specication.

In connection with heavy trucks and the like steering mechanisms have been devised into which gears of' one sort and another enter, the object of the gearing being to increase the leverage between the steering-handle and the wheels. In addition to this the gearing acts as a lock to prevent the wheels from transmitting motion back to the steering-handle, thereby preventing the strains on the hand ot' the operator which would otherwise take place. The steering-handle or other actuating device is arranged to make a greater angular movement than the Wheels in order to compensate for the increase in leverage. With mechanism ot' this general class there is necessarilya slight amount of lost motion, and as the gears Wear this increases until it becomes an important consideration.

My invention has for its object to dispense with the gearing between the steeringhandle and the wheels and to substitute therefor a power-transmitting system wherein any desired difference in leverage may be obtained Without the disadvantage of an ever-increasing lost motion as the parts become worn, and

this Without in any Way sacrificing the locking feature of the gearing.

vIn carrying out my invent-ion I utilize a body of iuid fortransmittingmotion from the steering member to the steering wheel or wheels, which fluid is constant in amount and when not actually Iengaged in moving the wheels is iu a quiescent state and possesses no potential energy.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of my invention, Figure lis a plan view, partiallyin section, of a steering mechanism embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a detail plan view of an indicator for indicating the position of the steering-Wheels. Fig. 4 is a plan view of a slight modification of the steering mechan- Serial No. 66,327. (No model.)

ism.v Fig. 5 is also a plan view showing the wheels set at an angle. Fig. 6 is a partial vertical section of one of the motors on an enlarged scale.l Fig. 7 is a transverse section thereof. Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 8 8 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a side elevation. of the piston, and Fig. l0 is a plan View thereof.

Referring t0 the drawings by letter, A represents the fixed axle or support, and mounted iu hangers carried by the ends thereofv are short axles carrying the steering-Wheels B.

AIt being customary to employ two wheels for steering a heavy vehicle, I have shown two in the drawings; but it is to be understood that my improved mechanism can be used in convnection with a single steering-wheel, if so deably underneath the iioor H, is the motor de-v vice for creating the necessary fluid-pressure to move ythe piston D, and therefore the steering-wheels, from one position to another. This motor device has a casing I, which is provided with brackets I', Fig. 2, for securing it to the floor or beams of the vehicle-body. The casing is provided with a large central chamber J ,having ample capacity to receive the fluid V and also to provide against any slight leaks. Mounted within the casing and submerged in the fluid are two single-acting pumps K and L, the former being employed when it is desired to steer the vehicle to the left and the latter to the right. Connection between the pumps and the cylinder D on the axle is made by flexible pipes K and L. This allows for movements of the vehicle-body independent IOO the steering handle or lever M'. Mounted on thelower end of the steering-shaft and located within the casing is a pump-actuator N. This actuator is rigidly connected to the shaft, and consequently moves with the steering-handle M'. The pumps K and L are similar in construction, one being mounted on one side of the actuator N and the other on the opposite side. The casing I is bored out at O to receive the piston K, which piston is normally pressed against the actuator by a coiled cornpression-spring P. The end of the. piston adjacent to the actuator is provided with an arm Q, which engages with the stop or abutment 12, formed on the inside of the casing. The pump is controlled by a ball admissionvalve R and a delivery-valve R', Which valves are normally held closed by compressionsprings R2, and by changing the position of the abutments the tension on the valves may be varied as desired. It is important that the valves and pistons shall be submerged at all times in the fluid contained in the casing, so as to prevent air from getting into the system and acting as a cushion. The actuator N projects to the left beyond the steeringshaft, and mounted on each side of this extension are rods S, which are arranged to open the spring-pressed check-valves S' or S2 each time the actuator is moved from a central position. The object of these checkvalves is to permit the return of fluid from the cylinder C on the axle to the main chamber J on the vehicle-body when the act of steering takes place under the control of the steering-handle M'. These valves also serve to check the uid circulation when for any cause the steering-Wheels attempt to move in dependent of the steering-handle-such, for example, as when an obstruction is met in the road. They also serve to check the circulation of fluid when the hand of the opel-- ator is removed from the steering-lever. The coiled compression-springs, which serve to hold the pistons K and L in their respective places, serve a double function-'i'. e., that of returning the pistons to their initial positions and of centralizing the actuator N and steering-handle M'. The chamber J, cylinder C, and pipes K' and L',togetherwith minor chambers formed in the casing I, are filled with glycerin or some similar iuid which will not freeze. The pipes K and L' need only have a small carrying capacity, as it is intended that the movement of the steering wheels shall be relatively slow. The steering is accomplished by a series of short strokes given to the handle M', which action may be likened to that of a ratchet and pawl. The relative areas of the pump-pistons K and L and the wheel-actuating piston D may be anything that is desired. A relation of about five to one, however, will be found to be satisfactory.

Trucks and vehicles of a like nature are frequently provided With relatively high seats for the operator, and when gearing is emessere ployed in the steering mechanism it necessitates the use of long shafts or other moving parts, which add to the difculty of maintenance. By my invention I am able to dispense With these shafts and the mechanism on the vehicle-body can be located at any desired distance from that on the axle. The pipes K and L', the only mechanical connection between the steering mechanisms, being small and flexible, permit the parts to be located wherever it is the most convenient. When the vehicles are provided with high seats, it becomes more or less difficult for the operator to see the angular position which the steering-Wheels occupy, even by making a special effort, and to meet this objection an indicator T is provided. Mounted on one of the vertical steering-shafts is a sprocketwheel U, which is connected by a chain U' (shown in dotted lines) with a sprocket V, mounted on the lower end of the shaft V'. The shaft V extends -upward through the steering-shaft M, and mounted on the top thereof is thev indicator or pointer T. The latter is arranged to move to and fro over a dial-plate W, which is mounted on the steeringshaft support, as theY steeringwheels change their angular position. The indicator will be found to be useful in connection with steering mechanisms other than the one shown, and the improvement is not to be construed as being limited to the apparatus illustrated.

The action of my invention is as follows: Assuming that it is desired to steer the Vehicle to the left,the steering-handle M is moved back and forth between the positions shown in full lines and those in dotted. The shorter the stroke, the smaller will be the'angular deliection of the steering-wheels. This action causes the pump K to act, the pump L remaining inactive. As the handle is forced from the full-line position toward the dottedline position the rod S, pressing against thc check-valve S2,causes it to open. At the same time the fluid in the pump-cylinder O is forced past the check valve R' into the left-hand side of the cylinder through the flexible pipe K'. This will impart a certain amount of movement of the piston D, depending upon the displacement of the pump. It' the movement produced on the steering-wheels is insuflcient, the handle is returned to the fullllne position and is again forced to lthe dottedline position, which in turn forces more fluid into the left-hand side of the cylinder. This particular steering device being intended for heavy trucks and the like, the areas of the pistons K and L are small as compared to that of the piston D. By changing the areas of these pistons any desired degree of leverage may be obtained between the steeringhandle and the steering-Wheels. As the piston D moves to the right it displaccs the iuid contained in the right-hand side of the cylinder, and it is forced through the pipe L', past the check-valve S2, into the chamber J',

IOO

IIO

beasts the amount of fluid which lis thus displaced vbeing dependent upon the movement of said piston. Asthe pump-piston moves back to its initiall position theUcheck-valve R opens `the central position the check-valve S2 is opened, and that as soon as the handle M is brought to the central position it is automat-1 lically closed. In steering the vehicle ithe hand M is moved back and'forth manually; but if for any reason the hand'is removedI from the handle the compression-springs P will return it to its central position, thus permitting the spring-pressed check-valves S2 to close and the Wheels will be locked against road thrusts. In steering thevehicle to the left the steering-handle is moved from a central position forward, while to steer the Vehicle tothe right the steering-handle is moved back and forth between the position shown in full lines to the one illustrated in broken and dotted lines, the action of the pump I. and the check-Valves S', S2, and S4 being similar to that of the pump K and Vcheckvalves R, R', and S2. If by any chance during the act of steering the Wheels meet with a road obstruction which tends to move the Wheels backward with a force greater than that exerted on the handle M, the piston D will tend to move either to the rightl or left, as the case may be, which will create a back pressure sufficient to move lthe piston'K or L against the action of the actuator Nand close the check-valve S or S2. Thiswill not interfere with the steering, since to move the wheels a substantial amount a number of short strokes of thehandle M' are required. As the wheels are deflected froma central position motion is impartedto the indicator T by means of the sprockets U, V, andthe chainU, and by comparing the position of the pointer T with the dial-plate the relation ofthe steering-Wheels can readily be seen.

VIn Figs. 4 to l0, inclusive, is shown a slightly-modified form of my invention, but the same broad principle is followed in both cases. A represents the Xed axle or support, and mounted on the ends thereof are hangers for the short axles that carry the steeringwheels B. At an intermediate point on the support A is mounted a cylinder C, containing a vane or piston D, which is mou nted for movement on a vertical shaft D.' Theshaft D' is seated at the lower end in a bearing formed in the casingvand at the upperend passes through Rgidly secured the cover of they cylinder. to the upper end of the shaft-is a frame E, which connects the piston with the steering- Wheels through the-rods F. In the cylinder C are ports C and C2, Fig. 5, which are always space.

necttarbysmau nexibie pipes, KandiL' with the one on the axle. The motor-casing I is mountedl on the floor'of the vehicle-body, which body is supported by springs-W.

(Shown in dotted lines,-Fig. 4.). The iiexible.

pipes K and'L permit the body and-framework to move independently ofeachother. The piston vKmoves aboutfa vertical axis, and when taken in conjunction with the fixed projection I2 divides the cylinder into two chambers, which vary more or less in size, de-Y pending upon the position of the piston. The pistonis splined on the steering-shaft M, so

Jthatvthe two are free to move vertically with respect to each other, but not angularly. The

lower end'of the steering-shaft is hollow and coperates with the passage K2 inthe piston by means of-thehole M2, Fig. 8. Around the lower end of theV shaft is cut a groove. M?,

which is in free `communication with the re-V parts are in a position to-check the transferof iuid from one portion of the system to another. In Fig. 8 the steering-handle is shown in the depressed position,so that the hole M2 in the shaft is opposite the passage K2 in the piston. The groove M2 is opposite the passage vIa'of the chamber, so that fluid'in the right-hand chamber in 'the pistonis free to iiow into the ieXihle pipe K". "The partition I2 in the cylinder isprovided with an opening or port I4,which communicates freely with the flexible pipe L. When the handle is in the raised position, there are two separate bodies of quiescent fluid, each confined toalimited Hence anyA tendency of the Wheels to change their angularposition With-respect to the vehicle-body is checked because' the Iiuid is-non-compressible.' In Figs. 4 and' the parts are shown as being mounted ona IIO vehicle-and the area of the manually-actu-y ated piston K is somewhat less than that of Assuming that g moved-to the right or left, as the casemay be, and Huid is forced from one chamber in the casing I into the Vcylinder Cr on the axle. This causes a deflection of the piston D, and consequently of the Wheels B. The pipes K L and openings I3 I4- are so arrangedvthat a movement of the handle in one direction causes a corresponding movement Yof the wheels. In other words, the connection is between the left-hand side of one cylinder and the right-hand side of the other cylinder. Referring to Fig. 5, the handle M is shown as having been moved through an angular distance equal to a.. This causes a corresponding angular movement a ot' the piston K. On the other hand, the piston D, which is directly connected to the wheels, has only moved through an angular distance equal to a2. By moving the handle M in the opposite direction it will move the wheels in the opposite direction.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

l. In combination two elements which are movable with respect to each other, a body of iiuid, manually-actuated means for moving the elements with respect to each other through the medium of the iiuid, and locking means which automatically locks the elements when one element tends to move with respect to the other due to an extraneous means, and this without regard to the position of the manually-actuating means.

2. In combination a vehicle body and axle movable with respect to each other,a wheel capable of moving independent of the body and axle,hydraulic motive devices mounted on the axle and vehicle-body, a body of fluid which has no potential energy for transmitting motion from one element to the other, and manual means for creating the necessary iiuidpressure when it is desired to move the wheel with respect to the axle.

3. In combination a pair ot elements movable with respect to each other, a hydraulic motive device for each element for transmitting motion from one element to the other, iiuid-transmitting means which connect opposite sides of the motive devices, a manually-actuated means for creating the necessary fluid-pressure, a valve for regulating the transfer of fluid which is opened by the said manually actuated means, and means for closing the valve automatically.

4. In a device for causing synchronous movements, the combination of apair ot fiuidpressure motors,supports for the motors which arecapableot independent movements,means for connecting the supports in a manner to permit one to move with respect to the other, a body of fluid, and manually-actuated means for imparting pressure to the Huid through one of the motors.

5. In a device for causing synchronous movements, the combination of a pair of fluidpressure motors,snpports for the motors which are capableotindependent movements,means for uniting the supports, a body of iiuid, and manually-actuated means for imparting pressure to the fluid through one of the motors, means for admitting to the second motor the fluid which is delivered by the iirst, and means for admitting to the first motor the exhaust from the second.

6. In a motion-transmitting devicc,thc com#M bination of a pair of cylinders, pistons of different areas for the cylinders, separate supports for the cylinders which are capable of independent movement, springs secured to and connecting the supports, a manually-actuated handle which is operatively connected to one of the pistons, pipes for conveying iiuid from one motor to the other, and a valve controlled by the handle for controlling the fluid circulation.

7.. In a steering mechanism, the combination of a fixed support, wheels carried thereby, a motor mounted on the support and operatively connected to the wheels, a vehicleframe, a motor mounted thereon, a body ot' fluid, means for conveying Huid between the two motors, a steering-handle which is connected to one motor in such manner that pressure may be imparted to the` iiuid, and

an automatically-operating valve which cuts oft the transfer of iuid from one motor to another.v

8. Inamotion-transmittingdevice,thecombination of two elements which are movable with respect to each other, means for uniting the parts in such manner that they can move with respect to each other, and fluid-pressure motors for the elements, one of said motors being provided with a single piston, while the other is provided with two pistons.

9. In combination, a pair of elements which are movable with respect to each other, a fluidpressure motor which is provided with a singlc piston and is mounted on one element, and is connected to the other in a manner to move it, a third element, a second motor mounted thereon which is provided with two pistons, and means so arranged that when one of the pistons of the second motor is active the other is idle.

l0. In combination a pair of elements which are movable with respect to each other, a motor for each element, and a manually-actuated handle for creating the necessary energy in one motor to drive the other, the handle being so arranged that movement one side of a given position causes the two elements to move in one direction with respect to cach other, while movement of the handle on the opposite side of the given position causes movement ot the elements in the opposite direction.

ll. In combination, elements which are movable with respect to each other, a Iluidpressure motor for each of said elements, each motor comprisingapiston-and cylinder,means whereby a number of piston-strokes of one motor is required to give the maximum stroke to the piston of the other motor or motors, and a valve which is manually opened on each delivery-stroke of the piston, and closes automatically.

12. In combination, elements which are movable with respect to each other, a piston and cylinder for one of the elements, a pair of pistons and cylinders for another element, and an actuator which can be operatively con- ICO IIO

nected to either of the last-mentioned pistons,

and is arranged to actuate one piston for moving the elements in one direction from a given position, and to actuate the other piston for movingthe elements in another direction.

13. In combination, elements which are movable with respect to each other, a fluidmotor for one of the elements, a fluid-motor for another element comprising a `piston and cylinder, an actuator Yfor the piston, and means for automatically returning the actuator and piston totheir initial positions.

14. In combination, elements Which are movable with respect to each other, a iiuid# motor for one of the elements, a iiuid-motorl for another element comprisingka pair of pistons'and their respective cylinders, an actuator mounted in a manner to operate both of the pistons, and springs acting on the pistons and actuator to return them to their initial positions.

15.A In combination, elements which are movable with respect to each other, a fluidmotor for each of the elements, a body of fluid for transmitting motion from one motor to the other, manually-actuating means-for one of the motors, an automatic check-valve' which controls the uid delivered by one of the motors, and a lmanually-controlled valve which controls-the exhaustof oneofthe motors, and closes each time pressure is removed froml the motor-actuating means. f

16. In a steering mechanism for vehicles,

the combination of a motor comprising a piston and cylinder, mounted on a fixed part of the frame, a connection from the motor to the .steering-wheel, a second motor comprising a pair of pistons and cylinders which are mounted onv the vehicle-frame; a manual` actuator 'operating thepistons of the second motor, oppositely-acting valves which are controlled by the actuator, one of the valves remaining idle while the other is active, and automaticvalves for controlling the transmission of iiuid from` j one motor to the other. t

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 25thfday ofJune, 1901.

HERMANN LEMP( Witnesses:

ALEX. F. MACDONALD, DUGALD MCK. McKILLoP. 

